United, meanwhile, fell to a 2-0 defeat to PSG in their Champions League round of 16 first leg on Tuesday.

Chelsea also have to contend with their second leg against Malmo being three days after the Manchester United clash, whereas Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team do not play again until Sunday, February 24 at home to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Zola is taking nothing for granted, especially given how United came within seconds of beating them in their 2-2 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge back in October.

But out-of-form Chelsea could benefit from the game being a one-off following their run of poor results in England’s top flight.